Evening star. [volume], October 17, 1896, Page 19, Image 19

About Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972

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f
A
BICYCLE NOVELTIES
Bome of the New Features of Wheel
Oonatruction for '97.
THE CIM=11 1EE A CETAINTY
Bicycle Polo Likely to Be the Lead
ing Winter Game.
SOME ODD CONTESTS
Serespondence of The Vvening Star.
NEW YORK, October 13. 1896.
T SEEMS A TRIFLE
odd to speak of the
bicycle year of 1897
as already begun, but
begun it is.
For months al
ready the heads of
the houses have been
puzzling their brains
-- over novelties to be
introduced in wheel
construction, and ri
val firms have been
c l o a e I y watching
e a c h other's move
ments. Most of them have already pretty
well determined next season's models and
patterns; the next thing is to keep the fac
tories running all winter to supply the
spring demand.
A sharper line of demarkation will be
drawn next year than ever before, between
g the cruising and the racing bicycle-be
tween the light, high-geared machine for
track use and the wheel of moderate gear
and weight which can be relied upon for
ordinary roads. There is a considerable
reaction against the nineteen-pound wheel,
as used by heavy riders on the road. Se
date riders who are more fond of scenery
than speed will be perfectly satisfied with
a weight of between twenty-two and twen
ty-seven pounds, while track racers will be
built as low as twelve.
The gearing of the shaft is no longer a
novelty. Many firms will probably make
chainless bicycles for next year, as the
principle of the bevel-geared cog is so
familiar in mechanics that simple applica
tdons of it can hardly be covered by patent
any more than the chain and sprocket ar
rangement now universal. The chainless
gears will especially commend themselves
to women, because they will require no
skirt guards and will cause no grime of
mingled oil and dust within sight or touch.
An alternative will be the possible employ
ment of a gearing case, after the English
fashion, to cover completely the chain and
sprockets. This will have some of the same
practical advantages, but will be clumer
to appearance, besUdee adding a pound or
so to the weight of the finished wheel.
Iereastag the Gear.
The gear even of roadster wheels is con
stantly rising-Ofty-six, sixty-three and six
ty-eight being successive landmarks of the
process. Next year one of the famous New
England firms will build no gear below
eighty for men's wheels unless specially
ordered. This year the "standard" wheels
have varied between sixty-eight and seven
ty-two. Next year seventy-six will be con
sidered about medium. As the gear is
jalsed, the necessity of a brake becomes
gre urgent. Back-pedaling, as a means
or stopping a high-geared wheel in swift
motion, is hardly adequate for an emer
gency. Equipped with a brake, the rider of
a seventy-six-gear can ascend hills of fair
grade and descend any steep which is fit
for carriages. Women's wheels will ie
geared between sixty-three and seventy
two. A low gear, a short crank and a
high seat are the combination for a lady
who would ride gracefully rather than rap
idly, as these conditions reduce the ugiy
knee action to a minimum.
Wooden handle bars are to he used by
many builders as a means of saving a few
ounces of weight, and may become nearly
as universal as wooden wheel rims. Handle
bars-and, indeed, an entire running gear
of aluminum would be much better rela
tively to weight, but the cost is as yet pro
hibitive of general use.
Tires are susceptible of practically n~o
improvement. Single tube tires of small
diensions wWl be almost universal on
racing machines, but the middle-aged
cruiser will still use on the road the 1 3-4
sise to best advantage. it is curious that
while the wheel itself has so rapidly im
proved, tires are, as many complainers
a,m not as good as three years ago.
The tremendous development of a new
general use for rubber has so overtaxed
the sources of supply that It Is hard to
get enough good rubber. The principal
tire makers, who all guarantee their wares,
are put to great loss by the constant ne
cessity of replacing defective tires.
The Question et Price.
Whether the cost of high-grade bicycles
is to be reduced from $100 no one will
krnow for some time yet. Some makers
propose to step in the other direction by
making a line of "specials" at $115 or Sl25.
It was a significant fact that the ~Pope
Company, which reduced Hartford wheels
from 380 to 3Ul1i last summer, raised the
price again to 1 almost immediately; so
active was the demand that the makers
'were unable to- keep up with it. And
when several thousand fairly good wheels
were sold at $18 each, as a bargain sale
attraction at New York, people fainted
and were bruised in the crush about the
counter. It looks as if the "blcycle hun
ger'' were nut yet apipeased, and until It
is price reduction is not likely to be very
radicaL.
Whatever the list price, no one need, now
er next year, pay Sf460 for a first-cla.s
wheel, if he is willing to buy it second
hand. There are so many "eranks'' who
insist upon having the very latest models
that there are usually in the market plenty
of little-used second-hand wheels of the
best makers, and obtainable at from $410
to M each. Bicycles of the best '916 grades
in good condition are certainly fine enough
for any bat cranks or racers to use In
There is a dodge, too, by which practical-.
1F new wheels, fresh from the shops, are
eften sold at from 3J to lii off.
I know of one racer who bestrode twenty
ievren different mounts before t~e season
or e36 h~acetoalae
Alll
, 1 -
W EXCITING GAME OF BICYCLE POL(
Of course the bicycles were supplied free
by the makers. When a customer in their
sales room would demur at the list price
of a new mount the sapient salesman
would say, "Well, here's a wheel that's
a bargain. As you see, It is absolutely
new. Not even scratched! As a matter
of fact, it is one of the latest and best
in the market, but it is technically a sec
ond-hand because Smith rode it in the
Jonesville road race-won the race with
it, you remember-but the tire was punc
tured afterward. Smith never rides a
repaired tire, so he telegraphed for a
new machine exactly like it and sent this
back. We'll put on a new tire, and there
you are."
By this means Smith-that isn't the
name-probably succeeded In aiding the
sale of some thirty 'IM wheels at $75 or
so each, or a tidy little cash item of $2,250,
about what the same goods would have
brought at ordinary sale less the agent's
commissions.
Bleycle Polo.
The present rage for tandems is expect
ed to continue during '97, and many light
tandems are being built. The bicycle built
for two was, early in the passing present
season, used mainly for pacing purposes,
but tandem racing is having quite a little
boom this autumn and will undoubtedly
rage with much virulence next year. It's
a dangerous business, like road racing, but
like road racing it will be hard to stop.
The most exciting novelty of the wheel
ing season has been bicycle polo, which
was practically unheard of until about a
month ago. It is a rather dangerous game,
but not more so than polo as played with
ponies at an East Indian gymkhana or a
Meadowbrook. Hunt meet. A low-geared
bicycle has decided advantages in playing
it, because it is so much easier suddenly to
check or start it. Precisely so, a low-gear
ed pony-that is to say, one that can start
or stop promptly and is quick in turning
is preferable to one that is merely fast.
Of course, the rider in bicycle polo must
have a quick eye for distance, be able to
r!de "hands off" at any angle, and to turn
in the shortest compass. In spite of Its dif
ficulties. the game will be the principal at
traction at most of the big exhibition meet
irgs in the riding academies this winter.
A contest in which there is a good deal of
fun and no danger, and which is, therefore,
well fitted.for academy use, is the slow-rid
ing race. A space 100 feet long and two
feet wide is marked off for each "racer."
The contestants take a start from the step.
The one who, without crossing the chalk
line on either side of his two-foot path,
without dismounting and without coming
at any time to an absolute standstill,
reaches his goal last, is declared the win
ner.
Contests Awbeel.
Variations suggested by the idea of the
bicycle duel will be pretty common in hall
riding. Boxing and fencing contests "on
bicycle back" are quite as practicable as
they are on horseback, and on the whole
rather less dangerous in proportion as the
height to fall is less. There were beautiful
trick riding, quadrille evolutions and team
riding in the academies last winter, but the
element of competition was rather lacking.
This winter's exhibitions will gain in inter
est by an infusion of more of the spirit of
rivalry.
The coasting contest was almost unheard
of in cycledom until the present year,
when it has proved very popular. Such a
contest can, of course, be hold only out of
doors. The start may be either a mounting
one, or a push-off by the helper, but should
never be a flying one. In either case the
feet do not touch the pedals. Each wheel
runs until the rider is compelled to topple
over sidewise. Coasting contests are held
to afford the fairest test of the easy run
ning qualities of the wheel itself, but it
would be idle to deny that skill enters into
the competition to a very considerable ex
tent. So does weight. Heavy wheels seem
to coast better than light ones, which is a
ccnsiderable argument for their use in
touring where the rider is at least half the
time going on a down grade.
Riding the bicycle will be more general
next year than ever before. All signs point
to a total sale even greater than in '9(1
What the end of it all will be no man
krnows, but there are many more true
things to be said for the sport than against
it.
THE COLORED WHEELMEN.
Arrangements for the Parade, Which
Winl Be Held Tuesday Evening.
The colored wheelmen of the District
have completed all arrangements for their
parade, which will be held next Tuesday
evening. The affair is gotten up by the Dis
trict Associated Wheelmen, an organization
drawn up on lines similar to the United
Wheelmen, and will be run under their
aa'spices. All of the colored cycling clubs
of the city will be represented in line, and
likewise the majority of the unattached col
orea riders. Preparations foP the event
fiave been going on for some time, and the
parade is expected to mark the beginning
of a new epoch in the history of the colored
wheelmen of the city.
The officials of the meet will be as fol
,lows: Chief marshal, L. H. Phillips; right
aid, James Langhorn; left aid, Capt. Jgige
Malvin. These ofmcials will Be in .;arge
of the procession, and their assistants wil:
be picked from the various bicycle club.
and others in line. The parade will be ir
seven divisions, and the formation of the
line will be as follows: A detail of ptolice
men will be. followed by the chief marshal
and his aids, and after them will come the
various divisions. The first division wtE
he composed of the National Bicycle Clul:
and the Rambler Bicycle Club, with full
membership and invited guests; the second
division will be composed of the Beacor
Light Bicycle Club and the Cross Country
Rea Club; the third division will consist
of the Anacostia Bicycle Club and the
Twentieth Century Bicycle Club; the fourth
division will comprise the uptown bicycle
clubs and the Napoleon Bicycle Club: the
[fifth division wi consist of the Junior Na
tional Bicycle Club, the Elgin Wheelmen
and the Meriden Cycling Club; the sixth
and seve'ith divisions are expected to be
the largest in the line, and will be com
posed of the unattached wheelmnen of .both,
sexes.
The marshals of the different divisions
wiS be as follows: First division, Messrs.
G. H. Howard and W. H. Washington:
second division, Walter Quarters and Jy. ,y
Weaver; third division, James E. Camp
bell and C. A. Berkeley; fourth division,
W. B. Hawkins and W. H. Marshall; ffth
division, D. Freeman and Walter Sedge
wick; sixth division, J. T. Johnson and T.
N. Robinson; seventh division, Dorsey
Suder.
The line of march will be formed at New
Hampshire avenue and T street, with the
first and second divisions resting west on
T street; the third and fourth east on "I
street; the fifth, sixth and seventh, north
on New Hampshire avenue. The line wHi
be formed at 6:30 p.m., and the start wir
be made at 7:30 p.m. The line of march
will be down New Hampshire avenue tc
Ed street, to Pbnnsylvania avenue, and
thence down the avenue to 3st street, moe-th
on 3st street to Iina avenue, west tc
1
8d street, north on 3d street to New Jersey
avenue, north to Q street, and west on Q
street to 10th street, where the procession
will be disbanded.
The judges will be Messrs. C. H. 7.
Taylor. James H. Merriweather and Robt.
H. Terrell, and these will probably be sta
tioned near The Star office in a carriage
and view the parade.
Prizes will be given for the club making
the best appearance, to -the male and -e
male rider each making the best showing
and to the male and female riders having
the most unique decorations. In order tc
encourage the attendance, the committee I
in charge of the parade has issued noticee
to all of the colored riders of the city, In
viting them to participate. All participants
will be required to have at least two lan
terns on their wheels, though no limit is
placed as to the number that can be car
ried.
SAFETY THAT IS SAFEL .
A Bicycle It is Said Any One Can
Ride.
Perhaps no single thing of recent yers
has afforded more room for inventions than
the bicycle, and the patent office is many
thousands of dollars ahead of the game from
this source alone. One of the latest inven
tions in the bicycle line is a safety that Is
safe. In other words, a bicycle that any
one can ride with no skill at all. The In
vention is the work of Dr. Whiteman V.
White of Brooklyn, N. Y., and Is especially
adapted for the weak or aged. It possesses
a good many points that recommend it.
It is lighter than a tricycle, and is just
as easy to ride. As seen by the illustration
it is nothing more nor less that the attach
n-ent of two small wneels at the ends of the
pedals by an additional crank shaft, really
making the invention a quadrocycle. The
wheel will stand by itself, and is of par
ticular advantage to weak and timid pe. -
ple, who in riding a bicycle, when getting
into a tight place, would lose control of
the machine and thereby injure themselves.
THE ROAD RACE.
A Contest That Prommise. to Be Un
usually Interesting.
The coming road race, under the aus
p!ces of the Washington Road Club, prom
ises to be one of the greatest contests of
that kind ever held in this section. Last
year there were a number of good road
races on the Conduit, but the coming road
race, which will be held Friday evening,
Novemer - 6, at 3 o'clock, will be the
largest road rece in all respects. The list
of prizes will be larger, and it is calculated
to have at least fifty prizes, the leading
ones of which will be five or six bicycles.
As regards the entrance list, it is expected
to have at least 14K0 riders in line, and from
present indications it looks very much as
though the club's expectations in these re
spects will be fully verified. The entry
blanks made their appearance during the
week, and in order to avoid any confusion
specifically state that it will be an ama
teur road race, thereby preventing any of
the entrants from being thrown in the pro
fessional ranks by competing with riders
in that class in the road race. The en
trance fee for the race is $2, and the en
tries will close at midnight on October 29.
The list of prizes will aggregate in value
in the neighborhood of $1,000, and this will
give some idea of the magnitude of the
race. The race will be a time handicap af
fair, similar to many of the road races of
last year.
The course of the race will be different
from that of any other course heretofore
used, While it will embrace a part of the
old course, the steep hills on either side of
the Dalecarlia reservoir will be eliminated.
The start sill he made about one mile west
of Cabin John bridge. The racers will then
ride toward the city, and upon reaching
the foot of Stony Hill. will turn around and
ride up as far as the Anglers' Club house,
turning around once more, and coming
back to the foot of Stony Hill, make an- 1
other turn, with the finish at Cabin John
bridge. This will be an oven twenty miles, I
and the course is expected to be faster than
the old course, which began at the lower I
reservoir and ran up as far as the Anglers'
Club house and return, taking in the two
steep hills. In the new course there will be
three turns, and It is calculated that less
time will be lost in making these turns
than in climbing the two steep hills of the
old course. Another advantage of the new
course lies in the fact that a spectator can 4
see tile riders at least three times from one
position, and this will prove advantageous.
Ir- order to prevent any confusion, and to
see that every man rides the full twenty
miles, a corps of checkers will be stationed
at both turns, and all men properly check
ed. Umpires will be stationed along the4
line of the course and help keep matters in
trim.
In the Irvington-Milburn course there are
five turns instead of three, yet the riders
make fast time over the course, and the
annual road race held there attracts at
tention all over the country. It is calcu-1
lated to make the coming road race a na
tional affair, and consequently prizes are
being offered sufficient to Induce amateurs
to participate all along the eastern coast.
Er-try blanks have been sent to Boston,
New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Rich
mond and a number of other places, espe
cially in cities lying westward of Wash
ington. There is considerable inquiry be
ing made as regards the race from places
quite distant.
The club is pubhing the matter, and is
sending out a neat. typewritten letter to
Li the prominent racing men of this and
other cities, which winds up by stating that
this wil be the largest road race ever held
in this vicinity, and expressing the hope
that the recipient will honor the club with
his entry at an early date. In sending out
one of these letters during the week a cu
rious mistake was made. Mr. R. H. Atkin
son of the Queer Wheelmen is a well-known
rider, and as there was only one person ily
that nm in the directory, the communlca
tion was addressed to 941) French street
northwest, The reply received was as foci
lows:
"Mr. William Jose, esq.:
"Dear Sir: I received a commnunication
from you, in which you express a desire to
have me enter for a twenty-mile handicapI
read race.
"I should be perfectly willing to. accom
modate you in this matter, and would if i.t
were not for one circumstance, L. e., my in
ability to ride a bicycle. I never was on
one in my life, and anm afraid that I could
not master it in tisme to warrant my enter
ing any of the races of your club,
"Yours, truly,
"R. H. ATKINSON." 1
This Mr. A tkinson, it transpires, is a
government clerk, and an entirely different
individual from B. H. Atkinson the bicy
clist.
Although the entry blanks have been out
but a few days so far twenty-Ave applica
ions have been received, a follow: C. B. I
Gauss W. R. C.; George B. Pratt, unat
tached; George E. Smith. W. . C.; A C
Gensler, W. R. C.; Rudolph Jose W. R. C.;
Kdi~ R. . C.; T. L. Milatead, C. A. C.-;
W. tahnuh- 1. U. C. -. a. Cnd.all,*
V. It. C.; George 8. W. R. C.: F. W
fooe, W. R. C.; U. Coleman. "unat
ached; Hardy Pritch 'W. R. C.; Carl
P. Mayer, unattached; I. Prince, W; it
I.; Dr. W. W. Hodges, R. C.; C. 1. on
aville, W. R. C.; W: er, unattaind
3. T. Wrenn, A. W.; H. GreW. W. R. C,
J. J. Morrison, S. R. .; E. E. Wakefteld,
. and S. C. C.
Already a number o rises have beet
iecured. A Fowler bicy has been donatei
y the Fowler Cycle Co 'pany and- a Ram
ler bicycle by the Ro ub. Other priss
icnated are as follows amond scarf pin
Facobs Brother.; diamon scarf pin. A. H
-randall; 815 bicycle a Parker, Bridgel
Company; Reis er, value. $25
C. B. Graves; pair R tires, L. C
Jhase & Company, _ st6n; Hunt saddle
Eunt Manufacturing C any; $5 cash, J
F. Fiater; $5 cash, Geo sHornubg; $10 or
ier on The Hub, Wiia. Gettinger; twc
told L. A. W. buttons and foot pump, F. S
-ahill. In addition to these, prises wil
Lilso be donated by Stifiefiets & Son, F. A
E Schade and The Hub,
RECORD RACE AMET.
3etails of the Prograa fea the Satuw.
day Event.
The entry blanks for the "record race
neet". or the wheelmen's field day at the
nternational Athletic Park Saturday af.
:erncon next, made their appearanc
luring the week, and quite a demand hae
oeen made for the blanks. There are ter
rvents scheduled on the program, With
he possibility that many more will be
.dded during the day. The record attempts
rill be interspersed by open races, to add
o the interest of the Occasion. All of the
Lttempts scheduled for the records will be
mnpaced, with flying starts in all of the
listances under one mile.
The events include a one-mile novice,
one-third-of-a-rpile track record, one-mile
>pen. quarter-mile track record, one-mile
andem race for the championship of the
)lstrict, two-mile track record, two-thirds.
If-a-mile open, one-mile 'track record, two
hirds-of-a-mile track record, and a con
olation race, open to those who fail tc
ecure a place in any of the other races.
The entrance fee will be fifty cents for
he first rete an4 twenty-fve cents fol
ach additional race, and no entrance fee it
2harged for the record attempts, though
LI riders must be entered in at least one of
he other events. The entries will close
oednesday evening at 6 o'clock. Blanki
an be obtained front Mr. W. C. Clark a
420 F, street, or most of the cycle stores
n the city. The list of prizes has not as
ret been made up, but these will be pub
ished in The Star the fore part of nexi
Week. A good list of prizes can be looked
'or, and the entrance fee Is placed low
mnough to give every rider in the city a
hance for an attempt at a record. Outside
of the events scheduled on the program
here will be a go for the five-mile track
'ecord, standing start, unpaced, and an
other attraction will probably be a match
andem race for one mile between Eddie
mlth and Frank Day, the youngest tan.
len team In the city, and Lang Shearet
Lnd Elbert Hebard.
The interest of the event is increased
!onsiderably because there will be a harc
itruggle for the possession of some of th
'ecords. The main honor seems to be th4
'ecord for the short distances.
Bicycles Stolen.
During the week there were eight bicyclei
tolen, an increase over the previous week.
Phe unfortunate cyclers are as follows:
R. W. Hall, 1718 I street northwest, War.
vick wheel, No. 7W5, stolen from in fron
f 1141 Connecticut avenue.
J. T. White, 8th and 8 streets, Warwiell
vheel, stolen from in front of his rest.
ence.
Miss Camp, 201 North Capitol street, 1a
lies' Rambler, No. 17584, stolen from 11
ront of her residence.
H. B. Coblentz, 467 Florida avenue north.
west, Columbia wheel, No. 22565, stoles
rom in front of has residence.
P. S. Angle, Sterling wheel, No. 791,
tolen from in front of 316.5th street north.
vest, anl Liberty wheel, No. 8iiGU, left iE
ts place.
A. H. Davison, 70 2 14th street, hired Fow.
er wheel, No. 2'353, which was never re
urned.
'Instructor John Crossley, Columbia Ath.
etic Club, Eclipse bicycle, No. 28443, stolei
rom 13th and E streets northwest. ThiE
wheel was subsequently discovered by De
cctive Boardman.
M. F. Halloran, civil service commission,
Varwick bicycle, which was stolen Sep
ember 20, was recohvered in Baltimor,
Phutrsday, where it had been sold to a
ealer, and why had sold it again.
A BICYCLE THAT FLIE.
[t Has Wings That Open and Shul
Like a Bird.
'rom the St. Louis Republic.
A flying bicycle rider is no longer a figuri
if speech, for a man in Oklahoma City ha
rivented a bicycle with wings. It is a mar
'elous affair, with great wings that oper
Lnd close like those of a bird. It is claimec
hat a bicyclist who is provided with one o1
hese flying machines need no longer wor.
y about good or bad roads. When he come
o a bit of road that he does not like h
vill simply By Over it. It will be the sam
with rivers and lakes mountains and val
eys, for it is proposed that the new Sys
hali carry a rider from one mountain peal
o another.
There have been flying machines, some
with and some without a bicycle attach,
nant, but this is the latest ad mast unlque
levie of all, and in every respctait diffes
rom all previously devised macbino, fo,
arrying a man on land as well as tkoI
he air.
Although there Is not the slightest resem
,lance between the flying bicycle and the
lying bird, the same degreo of relative pro.
ortlon is maintained. Like some birds, thie
'ew bicycle in adapted particularly foi
fround locomotion, but like the commor
owl or turkey, the inventor claims his ma
hins will be able, when necessity demand,
t, to rise above earthly obstructions anj
all serenely away.
The bicycle part of the machine Is con
tructed in the lightest possible manner con.
stent with strength.- It is somewhat long.
*r, but a trifle lower than the ordinary ma
hine, the fork being replaced by a triangu
rar framework of peculiar construction.
From the hub or axle of each wheel riset
metal post a third longer than the ma
hine itself, rising front and back at ax
agie. The upper ends of these posts are
onnected by a crossbar, and through thers
ust at the point where they are joined b3s
ho crossbar a crank shaft runs parallel
rith the axles of the wheels. Attached tc
ech shaft are eight triangular sails oi
rings arranged on much the samne plan s
be arms of a windmill, but constructed af
er the manner of a bird's wing, whichi
loses as it is raised, but on the downward
weep presents an expanided surface to the
rind.
When in use as a bicycle the wings are
olded close to the supporting posts. The
machine is operated by pedals, inprocke1
rheel and chain. The gail or wings are
perated by time rider, who sits in the usual
addle and works the pedals, which, wheri
he machine is in the shr, causes the wings
0 revolve by means of la chin and sprocket
sheel on the crank shift to which the sails
re attached.
A working model of thin machine 10%~ feel
ong and 6%, feet wide has already beer1
ompleted and tried wia success. The in
entor writes of his ian as follows:
"My invention will, I think, revolutionize
he mode of travel if the present day.
Wthat I claim for the flew ' achine, which
s now being constructed ' dis2t feet I
nchos broad by 13 feetagride' is that it will
piae the bicycle and be a fctical flying
sachine as weil.
"The machine is made of steel tubing, the
r'ings of canvas stretched on an aluminni
ramne.
"Ball bearings are usdd exclusively in the
mac hine. The wings esn ie extended as
ar as required by lengthening the trianguj.
ar frame, which, owing to thae lightness 01
luminum, will not add malterlally to the
reiglht of the bicycle.t Madhines to carry
us person, if properly made, will weigh nol
sore than sixty pounds each, and possibly
Lot over forty. These machines can be
urned out very rapidly and at a cost 0f
lil each.
"The wings are concave, like an umbrels
.t the point nearest the crank shaft, se
can take hold of the air. With 2U
quae feet of wing surface, which in suf
clent to lift the bicycle, the frame would
upport 869 pounds, estimating from the
atio of the weight of a duck to its wing
urface.
"Machines with a car and nuphtha engine
or carrying six persons winl weigh 68U
ounds and have 8,206'feet of wing surfacb
Fith sufficient power to lift M,00 pounds.
"I have applied for letters patent on my
mvntoe and an satisied et its feasibility
ad usefulness trim the nuamber of ex
cents I have made during the past
Things are beginning to get slow In cy
cling circles, and soon regular runs will
be something of the past. The recent cold
snap has given a genuine taste of winter.
though if the weather remains open bicycle
riding can be carried on without any inter
ruption, the cyclist dressing warm enough
to keep from feeling the low temperature.
Care should be taken not to dress too
warmly, nowever, as a cold is apt to re
suit. The cold weather at present Is
not to stay, if the local weather prophetS
read the signs right. There will be a spel
of warmer weather coming in short order.
which will be ideal bicycling weather. The
Indian summer has not as yet put in ap
pearane.
Next wcek there are several events on
the program that will be Interesting. The
parade of the colored wbneelmen. under
the auspices of the District Associated
Wheelmen, will be held on Tuesday even
ing, weather permitting. Then the clos.
Ing race meet of the season will be given
Saturday afternoon, at the International
Athletic Park. It will be a record meet
and a regular field day, and is calculated
to fittingly wind up a very successful sea
son of bicycling. This meet is apt to be
productive of more rivalry than any pre
vious meet of the year. and consequently
the sport will be good.
Persimmons are now about ripe, the frost
having completed its magic work, and as
the trees are plentiful all around the city
the riders ought to be able to secure an
abundant supply of the splendid fruit.
Hickory nuts and walnuts are also ready
to be collected, and parties can find trees
of these &nywhere in and out of the Dis
trict.
Columbia Athletie Club.
Last Sunday's run of the Columbia Ath
letic Club to Frederick was an event long
to be remembered. The party under the
leadership of Capt. Harry Stiles left the
club house at a few minutes after 6 o'clock
In the morning. The starters, Including
those who overtook the first contingent on
the road, numbered sixteen. A worse day
for a ceratury ride could hardly be Im
agined. The temperature was much too
low fc.r comfort, and the fierce wind that
blew from the north all day made riding a
hardship. Capt. Stiles reports that in one
place the party had actually to pedal going
down a steep grade, so strong was the
resistance of the wind.
Fifteen miles out Underwood gave It up
and returred to the city. Burroughs, who
had been making the pace, broke his chain
at Laytoi uville, and had to hire a team
to take him over to the railroad at Gaith
ersburg. The rest of the party continued
on, stoppirg twice at farm houses by
the way for refreshments. Nearly to Da
mascus the boys kept well together, but
from there on to Frederick the line was
somewhat strung out, Messrs. Haywood
and Shannon being the first to arrive.
After a short stop all of the party ex
cept Capt. Stiles and Charlie McGulggan,
started back, stopping near New Market
for dinner. The run in uas a long drawn
out procession, with Haywood, Shannon
and Hendley and Maize on a tandem. far
in the lead. These four took the wrong
road at Etchison, and followed a route
which led them over to Unity before they
discovered their mistake. Between Unity
and Brookville, Haywood gave another ex
hibitlen of his great ability as a long dis
tance rider by running entirely away from
his companions.
Those who finished their 100 miles on
time were Messrs. Haywood, Shannon,
Hendley, Maize, Ingling, Reid, Nottingham,
Story and Wright. Messrs. Stiles and Mc
Guiggan spenlL a pleasant afternoon in
Frederick, calling on acquaintances, and
returned to Washington on the evening
train. They were not alone in their com
fort, as o'her Iceal wheelmen got to the
train at almost every stop.
Tomorrow's run Is to Marshall Hall,
starting from the club house at 930 in
the morning. The return will be made on
the steamer.
0. Y. E. S. Crele Club, No. 1.
The members of the 0. Y. K. S. Cycle
Club, No. 1, took their regular run Tuesday
evening, under Lieutenant Thompson. The
run was partly in the city, and partif in
i the country, and proved to be a very en
joyable trip, the cIb turning out strong on
the rein.
.The club run Tuesday evening will be un
der Lieut. John J. Costinett. The route has
not been selected, but it will be a cross-city
and cross-country run. The start will be
made at 6:30 o'clock In the evening frem
1434 Rhode Island avenue northwest.
Captain Van Deusen is at presgnt enjoy
ing a visit to his home In New York state,
where he will probably remain until after
the election.
There was a sort of surprise party ten
dered Mrs. McQueen, one of the members
of Eastern Star Chapter, to which the club
It attached. Lieut. and Mrs. J. J. Costinett,
Dr. and Mrs. Handy, Mr. and Mrs. Park
hurst and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, after a
short- run Thursday evening, wound up at
the home of Mrs. McQueen, on N street, and
paid a social visit, The cyclists were royal
ly entertained, and spent a very pleasant
evening, enjoying a splendid supper end
other hospitality of their host.
Arling-ton Wheelmen.
The Arlington Wheelmen will make a cen
tury run tomorrow to Frederick, Md., start
ing at 6 o'clock In the morning from 513 9th
street. The centumy will be run on the
twelve-hour schedule, which, It is thought,
will be an abundance of time.
Last Sunday the club took a short run uin
der Captain Brengle. No objective point
was named, and It was a genuine cross
country trip.
Mr. E. H. Comabe, who has been seriously
Ill, Is fortunately reported as improving.
No further arrangements have been made
for the club supper road race, which it was
decided to hold some time ago. At the last
meeting of the club the old committee was.
discharged on account of not having done
any work in the matter, and the president
was to have appointed a new eommittee to
attend to the matter. So far this committee
has not been appointed, and unless some
thing Is done during the week It is ist
lhkely that the club supper race will not be
held this falL.
Washlugten Road Club.
No regular run was scheduled for the
Road Club tomorrow, although Captain
Jose will take the men out on the Conduit
road and give them plenty of good riding,
In order to get them In condition for the
coming road race of the club,
Last Sunday the club had no run sched
uled, though a good many of the members
took Individual spins to various places.
Next Sunday will be the local league cen
tury run to Frederick, and Captain Jose
states that he will call a club run to that
place for that day.
Mr. J. C. Wood, a popular member of the
club, Is able to be out again, after being
confined to his home for some days with
sickness.
Mr. L. B. Graves, the president of the
club, made a flying trip to Baltimore during
the week.
-Obe of the members of, the club accident
ally discovered a swimmang pool last Sudy
evening In the basement of the club quar
tars at the Hotel Aron.
Despite all reports to the contrary, the
club headquarters will'still be kept at t~e
Hotel Arno A rumer was to the ef.ee that '
the club would shortly move out and seets
other headquarters, and the publication was
made to this effect, though uaatoia.
Noe change in the club house will be made
this season at all.
Altair Cycle Club.
No regular run was scheduled fot next
week for the Altair Cycle Club, though one
or two runs are apt to be taken. Capt-.
Baker Weaver will hardly make out an
other schedule e accoUnt et the lateness
of the nsen, and any r-m taken fronm
now on wilt be to places mutually agreed
tpon by the members before starting out.
championship changed hands. It will be
remembured that at the recent meet of
the club the championship was won by
Willsta T. Dullard. He was challenged
recently for the hopor, and a race was run
off Tuesday evening between him and Geo.
Weaver, in which the latter came of vic
torious. Charles Jones was the referee of
the race, and the other officials were se
lected- from the club members. Two heats
were run, the first being a dead beat be
tween the two riders. In the second heat
Weaver managed to win out by a very
small margin.
Ed. Hanger and AUie Craig, two of the
club members, made a century run to Bal
timore aPd. return last Saturday. The
couple started out and rode the entire dis
tance, and upMg their return to the city
rode up as far as the Anglers' club house
to complete the hundred miles. This is
their first century. and they will be award
ed the club century medal.
There is some talk of having a run to
Frederick during the week for a pleasure
trip. The ride out will be made in one day,
the balance of the time being spent in
sight-seeing, and the return home made
on the second day. All arrangements for
the run have not been completed.
Miles Cycle Infantry.
The regular mounted drill of the Miles
Cycle Infantry will be commenced this
evening for the first time of the season.
The drill will be held in the armory, and,
on account of the limited space, the men
will only be drilled in platoons at a time.
The entire company Is interested at pres
ent in the rifle matches, which will come
off' Wednesday and Thursday evenings at
the National-Guard armory. The company
will be represented In the rifle matches in
the separate company match, in which the
cavalry troop will be their only competitor.
A team will also be entered in the company
team match, and in the battalion match.
The make-up of the team has not as yet
been decided, and probably will not be an
nounced until the fore part of next week.
The matter of having short relay runs is
being talked of, and Capt. Wiggins is
favorably Impressed with the plan. The
Idea is to hava. the relay from nearby
points out of the city, from any distance
from fifteen to forty miles, keeping the
men In good riding trim and giving them
an abundance of experience along the liqes.
It is not likely, however, that any more
practice marches will be held this season.
and, that being the case, there is very little
likelihood of' any of the relays being run
until next spring.
Capital L Clul.
The Capital 'B. Club started out on a con
tury run last.Sunday to Frederick, and out
of eight starters there were four survivors.
The number of those who finished would
have been larger but for an accident to one
Of the members on the road, which kept the
other two from making the one-hundred
mile ride. Messrs. Lee Harban and W. C.
Alien made a splendid record in going out.
covering the distance between here and
Frederick in three hours and fifty-nine
minutes, without making a dismount the
entire time. Mr. Dinwiddie, who started
out for a record century, broke his pedal a
short distance out of the city and was
forced to give up the ride. Those who made
the century run In the required time were
Messrs. Leaming, Claude Allen, Libbey and
Macdaniel.
No regular run Is scheduled for tomor
row. and Capt. Bart Hills is apt to take the
riders to any point they may desire to go.
For next Sunday the club will make the
century run to Frederick, joining the run
given by the local division of the League of
American Wheelmen.
The regular monthly meeting of the club
was held last Saturday evening, at which
several, new members were elected, and
other business of interest and importance
to the club membpr transacted.
Just at present the club house is being
renovated for the winter season, and every
thing is being put in condition. The pool
and billiard tables are being refitted and
made ready for the tournaments which will
most likely be held during the winter sea
son. The improvements in the club quar
ters will be completed some time next
week. and things will be in cozy condition
for the wfiter.
Namgautoek Cyele Club.
- The Naugautuck Cycle Club held a meet
Ing Tuesday &nTA- at the residenca of
Mr. M. Ct'ssier, an Wisconsin avenue,
Considerable work was done. A constitu
tion and by-IE9f wak adopted, and a code
for the 1Mtaap. of new members decided
upon. Mr. Charles G. Jones was admitted
to membash-en& the initiatory exer
cises were conducted by the young ladies
of the cin*E"Ptsidet Weaver and Capt.
Shall.e were broaght up before the club
and instructdd'it the duties of their offices.
,The club, hrs on hand the giving of a
monster ruin next Friday evening, which
will prove enjoyable to the members and
their invited friends. The destination of
the run is not announced, though an abun
dance of fun is promised to all those who
attend.
Altasment Wheelsen.
With the disruption of the Columbia
Heights Wheelmen a new club was formed,
known as the Altamont Wheelmen, and
though an organization has not as yet been
perfected,. this will be done in short order.
The secretary of the club, in speaking of
the article published last Saturday on this
page, declares it as very detrimental to the
rebautation of the club and Its members,
past gnd present, and contains several
altement. which he wIshes to correct. He
,spys It was not a box party given by the
club, as stated, but a party of boys, some
of whos were -members of the Columbia
Heights Wheelmen, and their friends, who,
instead of having a box, occupied seats in
the "sky parlor." After the play several
of the jrounger boys, wishing to appear
smart in the eyes of their comrades,
stepped into a saloon, but it is doubtful If
they took anything' stronger than ice water,
as they did not show any effects afterward.
Continuing, the secretary says It is very
evident that such an affair could not break
up any prosperous club, as some one seems
to wish the public to suppose, even If the
temperance members were very strong.
There Is a better reason back of it. Out of
about thirty members there are about ten
who seem to take the least interest in the
welfare of the club, the others never com
ing to meetings or runs, and seldom, if
ever, paying their dues. At last this state
of afrair. became so Irksome to a majority
of the working embers that a majorlty
of them, including the captain and secre
tary, resigned, leaving all of the cdub prop
erty and rights to the minority and the
"drones." This- net caused a great deal of
trouble and Ill-feeling, and was conse
quently misrepresefted in the columans of
the daily papers.
Libes-ty Wheeimem.
File of the Liberty Wheelmen started out
last, Sunday for a tentury run to Fred
erick, but ocly two survived, accidents
barring two- -others from making the 140)
milep,.whism th ird man decided to re
turn on his own accord, abandoning the
idma of, making the trip. Messrs. Ingling
and Haywood made the full ride. Messrs.
EKing ad Bresnanan met with an accident
sear Norbeek. The wheel of Mr. King
broke - down, and -an irreparable puncture
appeared. The saddle of Mr. Bresnahan
gra breken, ad .prevented him from keep
ing on. Jack Graham, who was with the
two, accompanied them on the return trip
to the city.
The club -ben no run scheduled for to
mr'crrow, though it is very likely that a
short run wtfi -be made a the forenoon.
5Text Sunday 'he boys will take a century
run 'to Frederiek in connection with the
LOcal division of the League of American
Whelen.n In inking this run each memn
ber of the edub will probably be assessed a
nertain sum, wehich wilm se- for pu..
c!asing suitable century medals for o
sLrvivors of the trip.
COlusbia Mefghta Wheeimen.
The Columbia Hefghts Wheelmen wers ft
have held a meeting Tuesday evening, but
owing to the absence of a quorum no meet
ing was held. The next meeting will be
held Tuesday evening. at which offlems
will be elected. The resignations of Thee
dore and Earl Hutchinson were l's.
Cl out could not be acted upon.
The club wil take a run tomorrow after
noon to Chevy Chase, starting at 2:
o'clo i the aftenoon from 1117 Prince
ton stroeL
4mee Wheetseae.
The Queer Wheelmen held a meeting
ThursdaY evening at their club house, at
which considerable bumnes of impertan"
was transacte It was decided to give a
da c0 at National Rifles' Armory en the
evening of December 2, being the first of a
sere Of the season. A committee consist
ung Of L. 0. Black, chairman. D. P. Sig
Ourni, Joe Newyahr HK S. Gardner, J. IL
Muir and George Dodon was appointed to"
make full arrangements for the sme.
Ao amusement committee was also ap
pointed to arrange musia and literary
Programs and club dances to be held at the
club hc a". Fraed Vost wa appointed chair
an,. with Messrs. Keller, Muir. Snyder and
Parker as Assistans Thbe matter of nav
Ing a basket ball teami was also brought
uP- A committee, consisting of L 0. a& ,
Paul Von Boeckman and D.P A.guri
was appohnted to secure D. P. Sigourn
make secure A team and to
make aaalitets for admiss oi thea
District Basket MWso Lentuhe
An Invitation was received to take part
In a pan oyster roast which WII he gi e
Thursday evening at the Brightwood Me
tel. The invitation was accep:ed.
There were -ight new men admitted to
membership. making the to,,at number ne0w
on the rolls seventy-sii Applicatins wen
received froml J. C. Hendt'raen R. N. Ius
ten John 0. Schultz. Charleg o rs c Is
H.G. Wrd, W. F. Williams Sam.'LI Tapp.
C.D. aweIl W. T. Lan;non, N. 1t.
m H. L. Chri stmas and ennis P.
O'Connor.
The run tomorrow will be to ltoekille.
starting at 9 O'clock from "i~ l-Pt' utreet,
Capt. George R. Boyd inv-Ites &1ll unat
tached riders to attend.
EAsteem Athietle cas.
The Eastern Athletic Club held a meeting
Wednesday evening, at which the subject
of the proposed basket ball team was
brought up. The club this year will be
represented In the league with a good team,
The proposed club road race was also talk
ed of, but nothing definite was done. end
nC date set for the event.
Last Sunday two members of the club
started out on the Frederick century and
covered the distance in the required time.
No run Is scheduled for tomorrow, though
some trip will utdoubtedly be taken.
Strange as it may seem. there is not a
cand'date in the field for the honor of chief
conlsul of the local division of the League
of American Wheelmen outside of the pores
ent Incumbent. He is not out as a candi
date, but it is understood that he would not
be averse to serving another term. All Of
the other men who have been named by
outsiders a's candidates for the otiLce have
denied being In the race.
The name of Mr. J. Hart Brittain has
been prominently mentioned as a canlidate
for the office of chief consul. and rumors
were in circulation that he had, a strong
following and would undoulteelly gt the
place. Mr. Brittain stated to a reporter
that he is not a candidate. He did not
care for the position and would not have
any time to attend to the duties of the
office. He was aware that his name had
been mentioned, but never with his author
ity.
A. W. Leeke. the present road consul and
the man who was fortunate enough to come
out in the camera contest of the lesgue,
has been mentioned as a candidate for the
office, but he comes out with a denial. He
does not want the office, he states. and an
his support will be given to the- present in
cumbent. Mr. George N. Mansfneld. the
East Washington business man, had been
mentioned in connection wift the chief aen
sulship, but he follows in the steps of the
others, and issues a denial. He stated that
he would support the present incumbent.
For the other offices, so far as can be
learned, nc candidates have as yet appeared
on the horison. Then, again, there are two
offices that have to be filled-a representa
tive and a delegate. Nobody has appeared
in the field for these honors and it is hard
ly likely that there will be any candidates
until Just before the time of electlt.n.
The date for the annual election has not
been fixed. In The Star last week it was an
nounced that the meeting would probably
be hel at the first business meeting of the
league for November, which will be held on
the first Monday. The chief consul states
that this will most likely he the date. though
as yet he has not decided upon anything
in regard to it. 'It may be that a meeting
will be called sooner than this date, or per
haps even later, as the period of election
can remain open as late as November 1,..
The league run was made Friday even
ing to Silver Springs, that being the only
run of the Week. Next Friday evening a
run to Chevy Chase will be made, start
ing at 7:3i o'clock from Franklin Square,
ccrner 13th and K streets. Next Sundlay
the first league century run of the season,
and the only one, will be held, to Frederick
end return, start being made at 6 o'clock
in the morning.
A Divorced Patn' Meet.
)g 4~(s" inee Pittsbsrg Disp~atch.
Walter L. Slnn. son of Colonel Sinn, the
well-known theatrical manager, was buried
from Plymouth Church yesterday. At the
conclusion of the services the lid was re
moved from the casket and the large audi
ence filed past the remains, taking a last
look at the face which had been so familliar
to them for many years. Then a pretty,
pathetic incident occurred. Colonel Slan
took the arm of his wife, from whom he
has been divorced for a number of years,
and leaned over the casket. She looked
at the face of her dead son and then up to
that of her husband. Ther.. seemel Lo be
an understanding in the look. He placed
his arm in hers and led her down the aisle,
following the casket. There was scarrely
a dry eye in the large church. Every one
noticed the Incident, and with a commnos
impulse it occurred to all alike that it
meant a recon~ciliatlon, an act that would
be hailed with joy by the many friends of
both.
A Psaettenl Pinauetes-.
Fmm Pn~..
Mr. Gotrox (pointing a maoral)-"Now.
Johnny, which should you prefer to have
me drop in your little hank, tpis gold dol
lar or this silver dolar"
Johnny-"The gold dollar. if you please,
Mr. Gotrox (dropping it in)--Quite right,
Johnny-now tell me why."
Johnny-"Because I can shakre It out
easier!".
gawr me Eneensateney.
Fesm Pset.
Mrs. Wheeler (alc ne on her bicycle at N
p.m.) -"Weal, [ certainly -a having a de
lIghtful ride this evening! These lonely.
dark roeds have a fascinatin for mee. Let
me use-I have twenty miles to go yet. Oh!
I'U be home before midnight."
Mrs. Wheeler (the next evening)-"What!
Can't go to the theater with me? Go by
myself? James Wheeler, do you wish to
insult me! Do you think I have no more
self-respect than to go to a public place of
amusement without an escort? Your in..
stincts are perfectly brutal!"
What Was Ueeken.
Pau the Detroit Vise Phm.s*
"So you went wheeling yesterday. Did
you break the record?"
"NO; but I broke nearly everything ele,"*